Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Nguyen.
The story of #bossladyroostar. No matter who she works and who she cares for, she has always been the 51% in every relationship, she’s the giver. Boss Lady Linda is ambitious, honest, straightforward. She’s is not a good actor so if she doesn’t like you, you will know it. She demands and expects excellence in her line of work. The whole crew knows that. She likes nice things, good food, good service, good relationship, she likes the respect, she likes the recognition, money, success, fame, she likes all of it and not afraid to be so; and most importantly, she worked to EARNED all of it. Her family and friends love her, her vendor, customer, school, staff, team, and community care about her, pays attention to her and always support her. She came from a one bedroom apartment, she came from an immigrant family. She came from nothing. She came from the bottom. She came from the dark. She’s been through failures, been doubted, been betrayed, been burnt. Boss lady has been through a lot more than you will know. The burning desire to achieve and to elevate her own life has always been seared in her heart. She has the ability to believe in people that don’t even believe in themselves and she has the ability to bring out the best in people, as a result.
I can never forget the day that I was planning for Roostar. My friends and family all thought it was a stupid idea because I was too young, I didn’t have money and I didn’t have enough experience. Boss Lady Linda was (the only one) worked tirelessly (2Jobs) to supported the idea, funded the business, started and built Roostar to where it is today. Yelps top 100 in the US. Alison Cook List of Top 100. Houston Press Best Banh Mi for three years. Banh Mi Cook off Peoples Choice for two years. CultureMap best Neighborhood Restaurant nominee. 8th Wonder Challenge Peoples choice… etc. etc Ohhh, the things we can do when we come together, believing, dreaming and supporting each other… Look around you, who was there when no one was. And who is STILL here. And remember those people and those moments. Don’t lose yourself in this game. Looking back…, it’s the struggled days that mean the most, not the success along the ways. Keep doing what you do, Linda N Nguyen #BossLadyRoostar keep marching. We love you! For more BossLady content, follow us on Instagram: RoostarVietnameseGrill.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road for Linda.
– During her childhood, she shared a one bedroom apartment with her four sisters.
– She came from an immigrant family.
– She was bullied during her childhood.
– When she opened Roostar, she didn’t have any money, she put the business on five credit cards. She was working seven days a week. 14-16 hours a day. No time for friends and family. Sacrificed a lot. Now she employs and influences 42 people with a third location coming…
– Her friends and family doubted her career.
– She moved out when she was 17 because she wanted to get away from poverty.
– She never finished high school.
– She struggles financially whole life.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Roostar Vietnamese Grill – what should we know?
Roostar is a Quick Service Vietnamese restaurant specializes in made from scratch kitchen. Linda’s job is building confidence in her team, parenting and coaching the staff. Not managing but leading her team towards common goals. Roostar is known for good service and modifiable Vietnamese Banh Mis. We are proud most of our team. Most of our staff has been with us since day 1. What sets Linda apart from everyone is that she cares more and she gives more. She is genuine, careful, thoughtful in her dealings with her team and her guest.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I think her our team and colleague deserves the credit in building the business and helping Linda pursued her goals. Her dad and mom, as well, for helping her jump-start her restaurants during the beginning periods of the business. Her customers who follow her from store 1 to store 2. The Spring Branch and Memorial community for always supporting our business regularly. Linda also has a great relationship with her school, the Hilton College University of Houston. She goes back every year to recruit for new managers. To sponsor events hosted by the school. To donate back when she can. And also, to participate in the panels discussion of startup businesses and entrepreneur forums.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5551 Richmind Ave. Houston, TX 77056
- Website: www.myRoostar.com
- Phone: 8327673319
- Email: linda@myRoostar.com
- Instagram: RoostarVietnameseGrill
- Facebook: Roostar
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/roostar-vietnamese-grill-houston-2
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